XN000022-1973-06-19 — Page 4

Tuesday, June 19, 1973

TYPHOON PRECAUTIONS FOR SHIPS IN HONG KONG

The Marine Department today drew the attention of masters of vessels

to precautions to be taken during tropical cyclones,

In a notice issued to owners, agents and charterers, the Director

of Marine, Mr. A. Fletcher, pointed out that many vessels have not been

adequately manned during the hoisting of typhoon signals in the past, "and

such inadequate manning has posed a danger to other vessels using the port

at the time".

Insufficient manning of a ship contravenes the provisions of the

Merchant Shipping (Control of Ports) Regulations, and the master is liable,

on summary conviction, to a fine of $1,000.

Masters of vessels equipped with V.H.F. radio are also advised to

maintain a listening watch on Channel 12 during the approach or passage of

a tropical cyclone for information broadcast from the Marine Department

Port Communications Centre.

Those without V.H.F. radio should maintain normal radio watches

and listen to weather broadcasts from the radio and television stations.

Thirty-seven "A" class moorings have been approved for use as special

typhoon moorings for ships under 600 feet in length and there are 22 "B" claas

special moorings for boats under 370 feet. The latest list of moorings can be

obtained from the Port Control Office during normal office hours or from the

Port Communications Centre after hours.

/In strong